homemade old yogurt recipe

How to Make Homemade Old-Fashioned Yogurt

Making homemade old-fashioned yogurt is simple, requiring just a few ingredients and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create this creamy, probiotic-rich treat.

First, gather 1 liter of whole milk (higher fat content yields creamier yogurt), 2-3 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live active cultures (as a starter), and a saucepan. Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of milk powder for extra thickness.

Heat the milk to 85°C (185°F) in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This step kills bacteria and denatures proteins for a thicker texture. Let it cool to 43-46°C (110-115°F)—warm, not hot (test by dropping a bit on your wrist; it should feel comfortably warm).

In a bowl, whisk the starter yogurt with a small amount of warm milk, then mix into the main batch. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or yogurt maker, cover, and incubate. Maintain a consistent 40-43°C (104-110°F) for 6-12 hours: longer for tangier yogurt, shorter for milder.

Once set, refrigerate for at least 4 hours to thicken further. Enjoy plain, with honey, fruit, or granola. For Greek-style yogurt, strain through a cheesecloth for 2-3 hours to remove excess whey.

Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Experiment with different milk types or sweeteners to customize your homemade yogurt!